ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Audit of Services at Stations
Indian Railways constantly strive to provide better services to its vast set of customers through proper planning and system improvements on a continuous and an ongoing basis depending upon customer feedback, operational feasibility and financial viability. Various initiatives are taken from time to time by different departments of Railways to improve customer convenience. Quality and adequacy of the services provided at the stations is checked by inspection conducted by Railway officers at different levels, Passenger Amenities Committee , Passenger Service Committee , etc. Action is also taken on the suggestions/complaints received offline/online through various modes. Third party audit cum survey on cleanliness of major stations and trains has also been carried out in recent past to get feedback and also to instill healthy competition among railway stations for improving the cleanliness standards.
Third party audit of catering units at stations is conducted with respect to parameters like quality, hygiene, etc. During such audit in the year 2019-20, 21 instances of deficiency in service were noticed. The respective contractors have been suitably warned.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Ministry of Women and Child Development issues Guidelines for Mission Vatsalya Scheme
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Mission Vatsalya” erstwhile Child Protection Services  Scheme, since 2009-10 for the welfare and rehabilitation of children. The objective of Mission Vatsalya is to secure a healthy and happy childhood for each and every child in India, ensure opportunities to enable them to discover their full potential and assist them in flourishing in all respects, in a sustained manner, foster a sensitive, supportive and synchronized ecosystem for development of children, assist States/UTs in delivering the mandate of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 and achieve the SDG goals. Mission Vatsalya promotes family-based non-institutional care of children in difficult circumstances based on the principle of institutionalization of children as a measure of last resort.
Components under Mission Vatsalya include- Improve functioning of statutory bodies; Strengthen service delivery structures; Upscale institutional care/services; Encourage non-institutional community-based care; emergency outreach services; Training and capacity building.
All the States/UTs have signed the Memorandum of Undertaking  with the Ministry for implementation of the Scheme. Mission Vatsalya will be implemented as a centrally sponsored scheme as per prescribed cost sharing ratio between the Centre and State/UT Governments.
The ministry has issued detailed guidelines of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme and State Governments/UT Administrations have been asked to prepare their financial proposal and plans for the year 2022-23 under Mission Vatsalya Scheme on the basis of financial norms of Guidelines. The norms of Mission Vatsalya scheme will be applicable from 01 April, 2022.
Detailed guidelines of Mission Vatsalya Scheme are available at:
https://wcd.nic.in/acts/guidelines-mission-vatsalya
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
India and Morocco signed MoU to enhance cooperation in MSME Sector
India and Morocco signed an MoU for deepening cooperation between MSME sectors of the two countries in Rabat, Morocco yesterday. The MoU was signed by CMD, National Small Industries Corporation , Ravindra Nath and Director General, Maroc PME, Mr. Rabri Barrazouka. Through this MOU, the NSIC and Maroc PME will work together to enhance cooperation opportunities for MSMEs of both countries. It will facilitate transfer of Indian technologies and products to Morocco.
Ms. Alka Arora, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of MSME, who is leading the official delegation along with CMD NSIC to Morocco held bilateral meetings with Mr. Othman El Ferdaous, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Trade and Digital Economy and with other related Departments for enhancing cooperation in MSME Sector. Both sides discussed the ways and means to synergize the strengths of both countries in MSME Sector in terms of capacity building, sharing of experiences, exchange of business delegations for creating linkages, JVs and technology transfers. Morocco mainly relies on its exports of minerals and ores and SERVICE sector. It has very small MSME sector in manufacturing, whereas India has strong MSMeE sector especially in manufacturing.
Over the years, India and Morocco have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations and bilateral relations have witnessed significant growth. India is one of the major markets for Moroccan phosphate and its derivatives. An India-Morocco joint venture in fertilizer sector in Morocco, called IMACID, was set up in November 1999. At present, the JV is producing around 430,000 MT per annum of phosphoric acid, nearly all of which is imported by India. The Moroccan phosphate company, OCP, has invested in Paradip Phosphates Ltd. in India. Other main items of export to India are metallic ores and metal scrap, semi-finished products and inorganic chemicals.
The main items of India’s exports to Morocco are cotton yarn, synthetic fiber, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, agricultural implements, chemicals, spices and manufactured metals. The balance of trade has been in favour of Morocco because of imports of phosphoric acid and rock phosphate by India.
The quantum of bilateral trade, which was US$ 1.63 billion in 2010, reached to US$ 2.04 billion in 2011. However, in 2014, it decreased and stood at $ 1.36 billion. Indian exports to Morocco in 2014 decreased by 21.6% compared to the previous year while Moroccan exports to India registered an increase of 10.2% in 2014.
Indian industry and business associations CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM have institutional arrangements with Moroccan industry and business associations. A number of trade delegations from various industry and export promotion councils have been visiting Morocco periodically in connection with trade promotion activities.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala visits South West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya
Minister is on a 2-day visit to the State
Minister to handover Mobile van units meant for rural areas to address issues of lack of veterinary hospitals
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala today chaired the review meeting on the implementation of the schemes of the central government at Ampati, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
During the review meeting, the Union Minister laid focus on the status of schemes implemented by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Fisheries and Border Areas Development departments in the district. He also emphasized the challenges of the departments in the border areas. It may be noted that South West Garo Hills district shares a total length of 38 km international border with Bangladesh.
The Union Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the district, stated that the purpose of his visit is to address the grievances of the Farmers and the concerned departments. Shri Rupala said that the mobile van units that he would be handing over to the district at Mahendraganj, were specifically meant for rural areas to address the issue of the lack of veterinary hospitals in the district.
The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department raised their requirements for Veterinary Hospital, livestock farm, mainly piggery farm and animal shelter for animals confiscated by BSF from border cattle smugglers.
Earlier today, the Union Minister made a brief stopover at Ganol Dairy Plant near Tura in West Garo Hills and inspected the ongoing construction of a new Dairy Plant of 10,000 litres capacity. It may be noted that the capacity of the present Dairy Plant is about 8000 litres of milk and other dairy products.
During his visit, Shri Rupala will be touring across the district to interact with the Self Help Groups, Farmers and village organizations. He will be inspecting villages along the international border as well as border fencing. He will also visit Kalaichar Border Haat, Border outposts and inspect Anganwadi centres on his way to Mahendraganj on Tuesday, 10th January 2023.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
“Kulhad” Travels to 25 New Destinations in Rajasthan
The earthen fragrance of ‘Kulhad Chai’ is about to enrich your experience of visiting 25 Railway Stations of Rajasthan. These 25 stations include Bikaner, Sirsa, Bhiwani, Hanumangarh, Shri Ganganagar, Hisar, Churu, Suratgarh, Jodhpur, Pali, Barmer, Nagpur, Jaisalmer, Bhagat Ki Kothi, Luni, Jaipur, Jhunjhuna, Dausa, Gandhi Nagar, Durgapura, Sikar, Ajmer, Udaipur, Sirohi Road and Abu Road.
Earlier, at the request of Union MSME Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Union Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, directed railway board to issue the directions accordingly. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission  Chairman, VK Saxena last year requested Union Railway Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal to allow Varanasi and Rae Bareli Stations as a pilot project for use of Kulhad and other earthen articles in place of plastic articles. The project was permitted and the 6 month report of these 2 stations, submitted by the concerned DRMs was quite encouraging.
Appreciating the move, Shri V.K. Saxena said, “This is a welcome move by the North Western Railways to replace plastic products by pottery products. Indian potters are migrating to other menial forms of livelihood due to lack of market for pottery products and the severe labour involved in it. KVIC launched Kumhar SashaktikaranYojna last year to empower Kumhar Community and distributed 10,000 electric pottery wheels replacing old hand spun labour intensive stone chaak. This year KVIC is planning to distribute 30,000 electric pottery wheels across the country to meet the demand of 400 Railway Stations. 30,000 electric pottery wheels will produce around 2 Crores Kulhads per day. This move will not only instill self-confidence amongst the potter communities in the area but also help in enhancing the health of the tourists while adding Indian flavor to the travel and tourism industry.”
KVIC has been conducting several trainings for empowerment of potters across India. In Rajasthan alone, KVIC has distributed more than 1500 electric pottery wheels since 2018, and has provided livelihood to around 6000 potters so far under the ‘Kumhar SashaktikaranYojna’.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on the occasion of Janmashtami
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “सभी देशवासियों को जन्माष्टमी के पावन पर्व की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। जय श्रीकृष्ण! Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. Jai Shri Krishna!”
Ministry of Finance
Real GDP growth in 2021-22 stands at 8.7 per cent, 1.5 per cent higher than the real GDP of 2019-20
Central Government reduced Central Excise duty on petrol and diesel to boost consumption and keep inflation low
As per provisional estimates released by National Statistical Office , Indian economy in 2021-22 has fully recovered the pre-pandemic real GDP level of 2019-20. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Giving more details, the Minister stated that as per provisional estimates released by National Statistical Office , Indian economy in 2021-22 has fully recovered the pre-pandemic real GDP level of 2019-20. The real GDP growth in 2021-22 stands at 8.7 per cent, 1.5 per cent higher than the real GDP of 2019-20. Owing to recent global crisis, various international agencies, for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24, have revised downward the growth projections of several countries including India but the revised growth for India is still higher than that of major advanced and emerging market economies, the Minister stated.
The Minister stated that the Central Government reduced the Central Excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 8 and Rs. 6 per litre respectively effective from May, 2022 to give a further fillip to the economy and to boost consumption and keep inflation low, thus helping the poor and middle income classes.
At the same time, the Minister stated that the Government's recent initiatives such as an increase in customs duty on gold imports from 10.75 per cent to 15 per cent, imposition of cess of Rs. 17,000 per tonne  on domestic crude and SAED / cess on exports of diesel and aviation turbine fuel shipments at the rate of Rs 11 per litre and Rs 4 per litre, are likely to have a positive impact on Government's tax collections.
The Minister further stated that GST collections in the first quarter of 2022-23 registered a growth of 36.4 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year indicating a stronger revenue position of the Government. A recent revision in GST rates is expected to further boost Government’s revenue collections.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Release of Interest Sub-vented Loan from Micro-Irrigation Fund 
Micro Irrigation Fund with a corpus of Rs. 5000 crore created with NABARD was operationalised in 2019-20. The objective of the Fund is to facilitate the States in availing an interest subvented loan for expanding coverage of Micro Irrigation by taking up special and innovative projects and also for incentivising micro irrigation beyond the provisions available under PMKSY-Per Drop More Crop to encourage farmers to install micro irrigation systems.
Steering Committee of MIF has approved projects for loan of Rs. 3971.31 crore comprising Rs. 764.13 crore for Gujarat, Rs. 1357.93 crore for Tamil Nadu, Rs. 616.13 crore for Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 276.55 crore for West Bengal, Rs.790.94 crore for Haryana Rs. 150.00 crore for Punjab and Rs. 15.63 crore for Uttarakhand.
NABARD released loan of Rs 659.70 crore to Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Thereby a total amount of Rs. 1754.60 crore has been released so far, comprising Rs. 616.13 crore to Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 937.47 crore to Tamil Nadu, Rs. 21.57 crore to Haryana and Rs. 179.43 crore to Gujarat.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Huge subsidy burden for fertilizers
Urea is being provided to the farmers at a statutorily notified Maximum Retail Price . The MRP of 45 kg bag of Urea is Rs. 242 per bag  and the MRP of 50 kg bag of Urea is Rs. 268 per bag . The difference between the delivered cost of Fertilizers at farm gate and net market realization by the urea units is given as subsidy to the Urea manufacturer/Importer by the Govt. of India. Accordingly, farmers are getting Urea at affordable MRP because of the subsidy provided by the Government.
As far as Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers are concerned, the Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy w.e.f. 01.04.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic  fertilizers. Under the said policy, a fixed amount of subsidy decided on annual basis, is provided on each grade of subsidized P&K fertilizers depending on their Nutrient content. As the P&K fertilizers are decontrolled, the Maximum Retail Price  is fixed by Companies as per market dynamics at reasonable level. The MRP printed on each bag of these fertilizers, is inclusive of subsidy given by the Government of India. Accordingly, any farmer who is procuring these fertilizers at MRP is availing the benefit of subsidy.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri. D.V.Sadananda Gowda in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 108.47 Cr
Recovery Rate currently at 98.24%
11,451 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload is lowest in 262 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 45 days
With the administration of 23,84,096 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 108.47 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,09,98,126 sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,79,606
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
92,69,660
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,72,723
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,60,37,946
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
42,45,43,385
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
15,14,76,624
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
17,63,88,452
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9,93,34,705
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
11,06,32,907
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
6,82,87,034
|
|
Total
|
|
1,08,47,23,042
The recovery of 13,204 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,37,63,104.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.24%.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 134 consecutive days now.
11,451 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload is presently at 1,42,826 is lowest in 262 days.Active cases presently constitute 0.42% of the country's total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
8,70,058tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 61.60 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 1.26% remains less than 2% for the last 45 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be1.32%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below2% for last 35 days and below 3% for 70 consecutive days now.
Special Service and Features
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority bags National Safety Award
On 08.03.2022, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority bagged the National Safety Award instituted by the Directorate General, Factory Advice, Safety and Labour Institutes , Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, for Accident Free Year & Lowest Average Frequency Rate for Port operation.
On behalf of the Port, Shri T.K. Ramachandran IAS, Chairman, V.O. Chidambarabar Port Authority, Tuticorin, received the ‘Winner’ award from Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, in the presence of Shri Rameswar Teli, Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Labour & Employment, Petroleum and Natural Gas, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
As recognition for good safety performance by Industrial Establishments and to motivate the Management & workers in accident prevention and safety promotion, the Government of India had instituted National Safety Awards  for different categories of Industries from the year 1965. Award schemes were introduced for the Ports in India from the year 1971.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has been instrumental in implementing various safety measures like ensuring deployment of proper, safe, and fit equipment / Machineries for the Port operations. The Port workers & stakeholders adopt, follow efficient, safe practices and Personal Protective Equipments , during cargo handling. The Port conducts periodic safety mock drills, safety awareness programmes, inspections of operational areas, ensures proper illumination during night hours, educates the workers & trade, on the importance of maintaining high standards of safety in Port operations. Through continuous implementation of safety measures and vigil, VOC Port has been operating as a ‘Zero Fatal Accident Zone’ from the years 2019, 2020 and 2021.
In addition, the Safety Committee of the Port, headed by Deputy Chairman, VOCPA, and consisting of Traffic Manager, VOCPA, Assistant Director , Inspectorate of Dock Safety, representatives of Labour Unions, Port users, Terminal operators and various stakeholders have led from the front in implementing various safety related procedural improvements.
Shri T.K. Ramachandran IAS, Chairman, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin, appreciated and thanked all the Officers & Staff of the Port, Port-users, Terminal operators and all Stakeholders for their contributions to making VOC Port, the safest Port and requested all to ensure that the Port remains safe and in the ‘Zero Accident Zone’ for all years to come.
The above details were released in a Press Release by V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of veteran Bengali playback singer, Gitashree Sandhya Mukhopadhyay
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran Bengali playback singer, Gitashree Sandhya Mukhopadhyay.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
“The passing away of Gitashree Sandhya Mukhopadhyay Ji leaves us all extremely saddened. Our cultural world is a lot poorer. Her melodious renditions will continue to enthral the coming generations. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
Ministry of Communications
Cabinet approves FDI of Rs. 2480.92 crore in M/s. ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited by M/s. ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the FDI proposal no. 4930 for acquisition of 12.32% of the equity share capital  of M/s ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited by M/s ATC Asia Pacific PTE Limited as a result of exercise of put option by M/s Tata Tele Services Limited  and Tata Sons Private Limited .
This would lead to foreign direct investment inflow of Rs. 2480.92 crore. With this approval the cumulative FDI of M/s ATC Asia Pacific PTE Limited  into ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited  will be Rs. 5417.2 crore in financial years 2018-19 to 2020-21.
Details:
- M/s ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited is engaged in the business of providing telecom infrastructure services to telecom operators.
- The company has existing FDI approval up to 86.36 % and with this approval it will rise to 98.68% .
- Foreign Direct Investment would be Rs. 2480.92 crore in M/s ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited by M/s ATC Asia Pacific PTE Limited during FY 2020-2021 and cumulatively will be Rs. 5417.2 crore considering the approval granted in FDI proposal no. 4854 and 4860 in FY 2018-19.
Impact:
The inflow of foreign investment to India will spur economic growth; as well as foster innovation.
Background:
FDI up to 100% is allowed in Telecom Services Sector wherein 49% under automatic route and beyond 49% through government route subject to observance of licensing and security conditions by the licensee as well as investors as notified by the Department of Telecommunications  from time to time.
The Company is engaged in the business of providing passive telecom infrastructure services to telecom operators pursuant to various approvals granted to it by Department of Telecommunications.